ST. PAUL — A national nonprofit has awarded nearly $1.3 million to 40 projects in its St. Paul Arts Challenge.

The challenge grants from the Knight Foundation range from $5,000 to $115,000 and must be matched by the recipients. The largest grant has been given to Public Art St. Paul for its “Bee Real, Bee Everywhere” project to install bee habitat environments around the city to help the insect’s dwindling population.

Foundation vice president Victoria Rogers says the projects reflect the city’s diversity of arts participation, including literature, theater, music and film.

The Miami-based nonprofit is investing $8 million in St. Paul over three years. More than $2 million will be distributed among proposals next year.